Mitch's Kids

January 19, 2006

Gov. Mitch Daniels' new statewide program, dubbed Mitch's Kids, to improve the education performance of low income youngsters certainly ought to be put to good use in the South Bend area. Mitch's Kids will operate through Indiana's 66 Boys and Girls Clubs. The Boys of Girls Club of St. Joseph County should make the most of what Mitch's Kids has to offer. Statewide, the program hopes to raise the enrollment of the POWER Hour after-school program by some 5,000 kids, ages 5 through 12. The program is aimed at improving homework habits and reading and math skills, primarily through individualized tutoring. Daniels directed $1 million to the program from state Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funds. The governor tapped Jermaine O'Neal of the Indiana Pacers to be "team captain" of Mitch's Kids. O'Neal expects to visit what the governor's office described as "area" Boys and Girls Clubs. It would be nice if "area" doesn't mean just Marion County. There's no doubt that St. Joseph County kids would be delighted to welcome O'Neal to the Sample Street Boys and Girls Club. We believe Mitch's Kids is a good idea and one that truly can make a difference in the lives of youngsters. We hope that this community's boys and girls will benefit from it.